Justice Society of America #26

And here we come to the end of an era (or at least a darn good run of comics) as Geoff Johns turns in his final issue of Justice Society of America.

Johns has done some terrific work on this series, crafting stories about big events that make you think and have emotional impact.

He's filled the book to the brim with fascinating characters, including original members of the first super-team in comics, members of the newest generation of heroes and some who fall in between.

Stories have run the gamut from big, cosmic battles for the fate of the Earth to small, personal stories that touch the heart. The story that returned Ma Hunkle to the team is one of my all-time favorite comics anywhere.

I like the fact that his final issue is another personal one - this one focuses on Stargirl and both her families - her real one and her super-family. It's loaded with sweet moments, although my favorite has to be a conversation Wildcat has with his son - it's not often a comic gives you a lump in your throat.

This issue is also Dale Eaglesham's last as penciler, and he's going out in style, with lots of stunning panels crowded with family members, and plenty of intimate personal moments, too. He's really grown on this comic, and I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

It would be remiss not to mention the incredible family portrait on the cover by Alex Ross, although it's a bit of a pain to have it spread across three different covers. But it'll make a heckuva poster someday.

Here's hoping the next creative team can maintain the high standards this book has enjoyed for most of its run. It's a tall order, but the JSA, as DC's first family, deserves the best.

Grade: A-